E-Passport transition

GOVERNMENT’S decision to move toward issuing only e-passports is definitely a significant step in aligning the country’s travel documentation system with international standards and modern border security practices. E-passports, which contain a secure embedded chip carrying the holder’s biometric and personal data, are now widely regarded as the global benchmark for secure travel identification. Their adoption is expected to improve the speed and reliability of immigration checks, reduce the risk of document forgery and enable smoother processing at automated border control systems across the world. Many countries have already fully embraced this shift. The United States, United Kingdom and most European Union member states issue only e-passports. This global convergence means that Pakistani travellers will increasingly benefit from faster clearance and greater compatibility with international immigration systems as e-passports become the norm rather than the exception. Alongside this shift, government’s move to abolish cash payments for passport fees in favour of QR code-based digital payments is another important modernization step. Digital payments can reduce administrative delays and improve transparency in public service delivery. The planned introduction of a dedicated passport mobile application, allowing people at home and abroad to apply online, further strengthens this direction. If implemented effectively, it could significantly reduce the need for physical visits to passport offices and streamline application tracking. However, despite these promising reforms, a persistent challenge remains visible across the country: long queues and overcrowding at passport offices. The people frequently experience extended waiting times, which reflect both high demand and limited service capacity. Unless this issue is addressed, even the most advanced digital systems will struggle to deliver their full benefits on the ground. It is essential to expand the network of pa